Speaking Out: Umran Malik Addresses His Two-Year Hiatus from Cricket

Last Updated:November 28, 2025, 21:22 IST

Umran Malik discusses his confidence, bowling over 150kmph and working on slower deliveries and yorkers as he aims for an India team comeback.

Umran Malik last played an international game in 2023 (Picture credit: AFP)

Star India pacer Umran Malik has emphasized his unwavering confidence, citing his unique ability to consistently bowl over 150kmph. He’s not resting on his laurels, though; he’s actively honing his skills with slower deliveries and yorkers, signaling his determination to make a return to the national squad. “It is up to the selectors as to when they let me play,” Malik stated, reinforcing that he knows what he brings to the table.

Making his India debut in June 2022 during a T20I against Ireland, Malik faced a tough start, conceding 14 runs in just one over. His ODI debut, which followed shortly after against New Zealand in November, saw him give up 66 runs in ten overs, although he managed to claim the wickets of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell.

Over the course of his brief international career, Malik has played a total of 10 ODIs and 8 T20Is. However, injuries posed significant challenges, eventually leading to a period of absence as he fell out of favor with the selectors.

Despite experiencing hurdles, Malik remains optimistic. “It isn’t that I will feel bad mentally. I know that I will do well now. I will come back to the India team,” he assured during a media interaction in Kolkata, showcasing a mindset that balances realism with positive self-belief.

His statements indicate a commitment to diversifying his bowling skills. “I am bowling slower balls as well, which I am working on, and also the yorker. I am doing that in the red-ball formats too; I am working hard there,” Malik expressed, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to his preparation and growth as a cricketer.

Breaking into India’s star-studded white-ball bowling lineup was no easy feat, yet Malik remains undeterred by the competition. “When I was playing earlier, there was this much competition. Now also, the competition is the same. I don’t think there is any competition,” he reflected, suggesting a deep belief in his own capabilities rather than merely comparing himself to others.

“When I am fully fit and take wickets like this, why wouldn’t they let me play? They will let me play if I take wickets. That is it,” Malik added, reinforcing that his performances will dictate his selection fate, a refreshing and focused approach in a career often influenced by external variables.

Recently, he was seen in action during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he took pivotal wickets, dismissing key players like Aryan Juyal, skipper Karan Sharma, and Rinku Singh. Despite such individual performances, his team Jammu and Kashmir fell short, being bowled out for just 84 runs, with Prashant Veer and Vipraj Nigam claiming three wickets each.